The Spokane Symphony believes that music can nurture the human spirit and sweep an audience away. The Symphony will bring its musical magic to Pavillion Park at 6 p.m. Aug. 31 for the Lud Kramer Memorial Concert, an annual Labor Day weekend tradition named after one of the city of Liberty Lake's founding fathers. 

The Spokane Symphony has been coming to Pavillion Park for more than a decade. Friends of Pavillion Park President Bob Schneidmiller hopes that it is a tradition that lasts for years to come. 

"Personally, of all the concerts, this is my favorite," he said. "The Symphony is very popular, and it enhances the community. Many do not have the opportunity to see the Symphony in Spokane. The free concert is also good for those who may find tickets to the Symphony to be expensive. Overall, the concert is good for us and the Symphony." 

The lively music that will be performed at Pavillion Park will begin, as is traditional, with the timeless, "The Star-Spangled Banner," by John Stafford Smith. A patriotic thread connects the music as the Symphony will also play Morton Gould's "American Salute" and Aaron Copland's "Hoe Down" from "Rodeo." Under the command of conductor Eckart Preu, the Symphony will delight the audience with classics, show tunes and popular compositions from classical genres. 

IF YOU GO ... Spokane Symphony's annual Lud Kramer Memorial Concert With Music Director Eckart Preu 6 p.m. Aug. 31 Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter Road About: Free concert; attendees are encouraged to bring low-back chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner. Concessions will also be available from Liberty Lake Kiwanis.  For more: www.pavillionpark.org

Schneidmiller said he cannot speak more highly of Preu. 

"He is a very personable guy," he said. "Whatever he plays, he explains or surprises the audience. Many conductors come out in the beginning and bow as an introduction then come out for applause. That's it. We are so fortunate to have him as a conductor."

Friends of Pavillion Park is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1992 and is dedicated to providing Liberty Lake with opportunities for recreation, education and the entertainment of the arts. The concert is a part of the 16th annual Summer Festival series hosted by the organization. Concessions are available at the concert through the Liberty Lake Kiwanis. The cost of the concerts and events come from the organization's annual fundraiser, the Holiday Ball held at the Davenport Hotel.